Classmates React to Images of Different Cultures: Impact on Graphic Design - Essay Sample

Introduction

I showed my slide deck to my classmates. There first reactions to the images I showed them varied from one classmate to another. Their perception and behavior after showing them the images had an impact on my outcome regarding what I had learnt in class about graphic design and its impact on culture. Most of my classmates were shocked when I showed them images of places and people of a different culture from theirs. Set 2 of the images shocked and left most of my classmates surprised since they could not relate to the culture and life of those captured in the image. After showing them the images, we later discussed ways in which the images had changed their expectation and perception of different cultures and environment. We also talked about the impact of graphic design on shaping human beings social consequences and functions in society.

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I expected most viewers to relate to a good number of images I showed them. For set 2, I expected most of the viewers to be moved by the state of conditions of those captured in the image because of the state of environment they were in. The first set of images were taken in areas where most of the viewers grew up, and therefore, I did not expect surprises from them. I was surprised that the response from viewers could relate to the circumstances that were taking place at the time when the images were taken. Despite not being in the state of the environment where the images were taken, the viewer was able to point out the state of those in the images, therefore, understanding their diversity.

Class Readings and Concepts

The reactions from the viewers reminded me of various class concepts we had learned in class regarding graphic design. When an individual is shown a graphic image without further explanations, then such perception through the perceptual process can interpret it. The interpretation of the graphic image has a final impact on the perception and behavior of the viewer. An image alone is not meaningful unless it is interpreted. Before reacting and commenting on the set of images. My viewers had to organize and interpret information based on the outside world. The interpretation of perceptions regarding the images I showed my classmates were not the same because each of them lived in a different world. Living in a different world with different cultures form the basis for different reaction to the images I showed them. The behavior and perceptions played a role in their responses to the images I showed them. The reaction from the viewers also reminds me of how designers manipulate the relationship between the world and the user. Ideas that can be passed through graphic design requires adaptation into the post-modernism. Postmodernism is ideas about the current time we are living in. The second set of images I showed my viewers are an example of how graphic designers can incorporate postmodernism style by passing out a message about environment, love, home, and hope.

Semiotics and Its Role

Semiotics is the idea of studying signs and symbols with the intentions of understanding communication behaviors of different cultures. Semiotics, therefore, plays a role in determining the failure or success of a particular event or idea. Semiotics plays a key role in getting the reaction of my viewers to the set of images I showed them since their reactions will go in hand with their cultural significance. Graphic designers create visual signs that are supposed to play a role in eliciting mind effect on the viewer. The images in set 1, for instance, are manipulated to prompt a viewer to relate to their life. People a tuned culturally to love and cherish good colors, that is why most graphic designs are theoretical and far from reality. Semiotics, therefore, works differently from people depending on cultural backgrounds.

Postmodernism

The exercise to find reactions of viewers to a set of images manifest some ideas on postmodernism where graphic design is now viewed as an idea that incorporates different political, historical, social, and cultures. Postmodernism favors the idea that human beings are not universal and therefore, their principles and determined by their history and cultures. The reactions to the set images by the viewers were different depending on the viewer's world. Set 1 image represents people whose cultures are regarded as high; that is why the colors used represents what most people expect life to be. Set 2 of the images contradicts set 1 image since it is a representation of people with a low culture who are left with a life characterized by miseries such as war, hunger, and bad environment. Designers can use postmodern approaches in their work since the idea allows them to incorporate different elements used at different times. The different styles made possible from postmodernism are created from new ideologies and culture.

Keedy introduced postmodern theory into academic design practice. It, therefore, meant that postmodern theory was now part of intellectual culture art. A critical examination of pop culture is a trait utilized by Keedy and Andrew Blauvelt since pop culture have a relationship with postmodernism (Blauvelt, n.p). Graphic designers apply cultural artifacts for their work while still examining the relationship between pop culture and design. Social media and easy internet access, therefore, making it easy for designers to access pop cultures characterize post modernization era. The reaction from viewers and class readings have positively affected my understanding of modern graphic design and how it is working to promote the meaning of cultures. There is a transition of internet memes, which I think its impact is drawn from different cultures. Designers are inclined to increase interest in cultures since all factors naturally influence their work. The great influence of cultures ultimate makes sure that designers appreciate and examine different cultures (Keedy, n.p).

Role of Designers and Viewers

The role of designers is to adhere to designs that conceptualize cultural experience. Postmodern ideas help in ensuring that designers remain in creative at the same time, pass the message to the public. Designers' role is to ensure that their works find a place in new media and different platforms where a person can express himself or herself. The postmodern trait will remain influential since its characteristics adapt well with the current technology. The role of the viewers is to appreciate and assist designers in rooting for postmodern ideas. Viewers should express their cultures through platforms such as social media without fear of criticism. Viewers should also learn to appreciate the cultures of other people; that way; graphic designers will feel appreciated when they create their works. The change in our society will ultimately influence how viewers relate to different designs; therefore, viewers need to be up to date in understanding cultural trends.

Works Cited

Blauvelt, Andrew. "Emigre Essays In And Around: Cultures Of Design And The Design Of Cultures, Part 2". Emigre.Com, 2019, https://www.emigre.com/Essays/Magazine/InandAround:CulturesofDesignandtheDesignofCulturesPart2

Keedy, Mr. "Emigre Essays Graphic Design In The Postmodern Era". Emigre.Com, 2019, https://www.emigre.com/Essays/Magazine/GraphicDesigninthePostmodernEra.